Why do Americans not understand religion?

Question

UNITED STATES, April 6, 2007: America purports to be a religious nation, yet what Americans know about religion is, well, sinful. In his new book, "Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know--And Doesn't," Stephen Prothero, head of Boston University's religion department, says it's time to teach religion in America--not devotion, but religion. Prothero and others have found a shocking lack of knowledge about the religions to which Americans purport to belong, bested only by their ignorance of religions to which they don't belong. Surveys say only half of America's adults can name any of the four Gospels. Most Americans can't name the first book of the Bible. Yet, writes Prothero, world events have been shaped by religious ideas.

In this country, Christianity, in particular, has migrated from doctrinal and narrative components to a focus on religious experience that doesn't appear to require a knowledge of the Scriptures, says Prothero . "Being a Christian has become synonymous with having a born-again experience or opposing abortion and stem-cell research," he said.

"In his research, Prothero said he was surprised to learn that the U.S. government pays little attention to religion when forming foreign policy. For example, Prothero said, "U.S. ambassadors to Muslim-majority countries are typically political cronies who have no training in Islam. And there is no policy of having our ambassador to India, say, know something about Hinduism. This is a scandal. The problem is not hypocrisy, says Prothero, so much as ignorance. He suggests religion be added as the fourth "R" in American education. After all, Prothero says, the Constitution doesn't prohibit teaching about religion. It bans teaching a particular religion.

www.southcoasttoday.com

If 'pinklady25' left her village and travelled it might make her a bit more broadminded.
BanjoMan might be able to tell us the sound made by bashing his Bible.

Answer 1

I don't think they understand religion simply because they're too fond of listening to the narrow-minded little "sects" they have so many of who 'give it large' where and whenever they can - like those bigoted prats that we saw on TV in the UK last week - "America's Most Hated Family", all led by the pastor with plenty of mouth but very little sense except 'down below' which resulted in an immediate family of about 58 of them! Once the rest of their countrymen see that sort of thing it's little wonder they don't want to know much about religion if that's an example of it ! ! !

Answer 2

Say rather that American do not understand religion AS YOU WOULD LIKE THEM TO.

Why? Because religion is almost entirely something that starts with parental guidance. Many people go on a quest once they become adults, but that quest will be shaped, for good or ill, by what they learned as a child. And no one has yet come up with a good way to teach comparative religion that does not burn someone. I'd like to see more in that regard, but it is difficult.

The Living Insights Center in St. Louis brings together the symbols and concepts of a great many religions, offering a cross-pollination which I believe is ultimately very helpful. But even they can only represent a few of the largest religious traditions, and then lump the rest together. So, for example, a room for "western monotheism" which lumps all Protestants, Catholics and Jews into one room. A room for shamanism/Native American also involves much bringing together of different groups, resulting in much loss of detail.

To teach what religion is all about to grade school children inevitably involves taking over the place of the parent. In a private or parochial school chosen by the parents, that's acceptable. It is not acceptable in the public schools.

Answer 3

When I was in college,taking a course in Comparative Religion was basically required for a degree in sociology. I vigorously agree that no state department official should qualify for a diplomatic posting abroad without having at least some formal training with respect to the dominant religion in his assigned area,since it certainly has and will continue to play a role in the political and cultural life of that nation. As to our own seeming ignorance,the churches are there; the minor religions are there; nor is there any shortage of cultish groups offering courses. All provide religious education after their fashion. Understanding our own culture is certainly enhanced by knowing something of it's traditional religious beliefs,but I don't know that this should be required,except as in my case if you are majoring in sociology.

Answer 4

Religion is just a bunch of rules that were taken out of wack by some geeks who needed to form a club. it started with the catholic faith then proceeded from there 400 or so years after the death of chirst while the christian were barbicuing rome and putting nero on a slab the only reason people in america have religion is cause they need someone to confess there sins so they can start screwing up again the next day. NOT to mention theres alot of money in religion here

Answer 5

you must realize that not all Americans are that way. some like me were taught the ways and the purpose of our religion, we were also taught to respect people of other cultures and religions. i understand what Jesus Christ did for man kind and i understand the trinity and ten commandments, the beatitudes. Also i go to a public school and they taught us the basics of the different religions. Prothero hasn't reserched as much as he could. he may have surveyed baby boomers, people that grew up with a much less worldly culture, while young adults and children now are much more aware of politcal issues and the importance of being respectful and understanding of other's.

Answer 6

No response in your own words? Okay then.

It's because Americans, and America itself is evil. We're so evil and mean it's amazing. We know nothing about the outside world, and only sites like this make us aware of this fact.

The rest of the world knows all about every single religion that has ever been, and it's because their media isn't biased, and because they're enamoured with superior culture and education, because ours just sucks.

We know nothing. We speak of falsehoods. We're idiots. Please have mercy on us, as all Americans are nothing more than dolts in a world full of educated people who are never succeptible to biased media, ever.

I can't even pat my head and rub my belly at the same time, because I'm so stupid. Tell that you all your friends, and make sure they know it's an American, because then they'll believe it.

We suck.

Answer 7

Prothero is right when you look at the nation as a whole. But there are those who have been to college and recognize the weakness in America. That is why the Bible should return to the schools as a history book.

Answer 8

Having accidentally been on the American site for the past few days I can see very restricted and highly conditioned mentality of these people. Many of there answers are flippant and lacking self reflection and insight. I think they are taught not to question to much or think about to much. Religion fits that type of personality profile if it's taught by rota, which it seems to be in the US.

Answer 9

I have a real problem with the term religion. It conjures up thoughts of praying repetitive strings of words that have no real meaning to the prayer except to get them done quickly so they can be on to something else, building huge expensive buildings to impress other men, building huge congregations, continually begging for funds, making others feel guilty, and church leaders who are exposed committing the sinful behaviors they condemn in others. Personally, they can have religion. I want personal RELATIONSHIP with Christ. That should be the fourth "R", forget religion!

Answer 10

Sounds like my mum - she considers herself religious (Church of England), etc, yet she nevers attends church and has never read the bible, let alone knows what the bible about!! And she is British!! I guess it is just a cultural norm for people to believe in God because we have been brought up to believe that God exist! I myself though do not believe in God at all on the grounds that there is no scientific evidence for his existence and also because why should I believe in something that honestly I really do not know much about!!